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Book & Media Reviews
Heroes of Olympus: Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Caitlin N. (November 2022)
- Format: Book
- Genre(s): Young adult fiction, fantasy, adventure
- Part of a series?: Yes
In Mark of Athena, seven heroes of Olympus – Percy Jackson and his team from Son of Neptune, Jason Grace and his team from The Lost Hero, and Annabeth Chase – have united for a quest to stop the goddess Gaea from awakening. The demigods from both the Greek camp and the Roman camp must work together, despite the Romans viewing the Greeks as a threat. In order to achieve their goal, the praetor of the Roman demigod camp tells Annabeth that she must find the Athena Parthenos, a job that only she can do as a daughter of Athena. She alone must face her deepest fears and her mother’s greatest enemy, a quest that no child of Athena has ever survived. Meanwhile, the rest of the heroes of Olympus have the job of saving a lost demigod.
Rating: 5/5
After being introduced to each of the heroes in the previous two books in the series, it was exciting to see them finally join forces. Not only that, but readers finally get to see Percy and Annabeth reunited after being apart for two books. My favorite part of the book was watching the conflicts unfold, both because of their enemies and their allies. Rivalries, pasts, and unfamiliarity cause tension to arise between the heroes. The book heavily emphasizes Annabeth’s role in the heroes of olympus because of her quest that she must do alone. After following Annabeth throughout the entire Percy Jackson series, it is refreshing to see her development, especially now that she has grown as a person. I would certainly recommend this book to those who have been following along with the series.
Jon Q directed by Nick Cassavetes
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Drama, Thriller
While they might not have been the wealthiest family, the Archibald household was abundant with unconditional love and happiness. Their nine year old son Michael Archibald is full of joy and always had a positive mindset no matter how hard the situation may be. On just another regular sunny day while at Michael’s baseball game all was well until Micheal suddenly collapses. When Michael is rushed to the hospital it is there where the couple learns about Michael’s condition. The household’s financial situation would ultimately be a major deciding factor in this situation. Put in a difficult position the father, Jon Q, has ran out of options. Given this Jon takes it upon himself to take matters into his own hands. The decision he makes at the end of the day will basically decide the fate of his son’s life and his.
I would rate this film a 4 out of 5. This film is filled with comedy and some heartfelt moments. The main messages found in this film are the right to basic human needs, medical ethics, and the accessibility of U.S. health care. Eventhough this is a fictional film many out there can relate to the difficulties surrounding health care. Not everyone, based on their financial situation, has the access to health care or can even afford it. This film makes me think of all the people out there who find themselves in need of expensive medical help and corrective surgery and unfortunately, their last resort may be not receiving help at all. I would recommend this film to people of all ages, not only will they find themselves laughing at some parts but may even find themselves shedding a tear or two. Also watching this movie may spark a new perspective and may even motivate them to find ways to alter the healthcare system.
Rating: 4/5
Shutter Island directed by Martin Scorsese
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Psychological Thriller, Drama, Crime
U.S. Marshals Edward Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule travel to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient at Ashcliffe Hospital who escaped. After being there for not even two full days at the asylum they notice that something is overall strange about the place. Yes, they are there to investigate the disappearance of a murderous patient but Daniels appears to be there to carry out his own personal agenda. A mist their investigation and Daniels’ personal plan, Daniels thinks he uncovers a sick crime at the hospital carried out by the doctors against the patients. When a hurricane passes through the island it completely throws everything and everyone off balance. The events that occur during the hurricane also lead Daniels to uncovering some more interesting things. One of the things that are revealed to him makes him question everything including his own mental state.
I would rate this film a 3 out of 5. I would recommend this film to older people who enjoy watching psychological movies that involve mind puzzling plots. I personally liked this movie and found myself on occasions at the edge of my seat trying to make sense of the many plot twists. On the other hand, I would not recommend this film to younger people because it may seem dull and possibly hard for them to make sense of what is going on. This film demonstrates the themes of love, dealing with grief, and mental illness. I like how in this film the audience was put into the perspective of a person who struggles with mental illness and how their mind operates. I think more people should create films that are structured in this way because it may give other people insight into how people who have a mental illness walk through life every day.
Rating: 3/5
The Blind Side directed by John Lee Hancock
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Biographical, Sports Drama
The film The Blind Side directed by John Lee Hancock, is based on the true story of American football player Micheal Oher and his upbringing. The film is also an adaptation of the book “The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game” written by Michael Lewis. The main character Leigh Anne first notices Micheal when she sees him picking up discarded food and walking alone late at night. She offers Michael to stay the night at her house and the rest is history. After some observation, Leigh Anne realizes that Micheal is essentially homeless and is not the brightest academically. Given his situation, Leigh Anne and her husband decided to take Micheal under their wing. Under their legal guardianship and help, Micheal was able to bring his grades up and his talent for football was discovered. Soon he became a star football player being scooted out by schools left and right. Micheal’s life took a full 180 by the end of the film. He went from being homeless to a star football player surrounded by a great support system, but had to overcome some challenges to get there.
I would rate this movie a 4 out of 5, the film’s portrayal of Micheal Oher’s story is truly heartwarming. His story also makes me think of all the other children out there who are going through a similar situation as Micheal. This story shows how one person’s kindness can completely change another person’s life for the better. The main theme of this movie is to essentially treat everyone you come across with respect and kindness no matter how different from you they appear to be. Some other themes include inclusion and the importance of family. I would recommend this movie to people of all ages. Anyone who watches this movie will finish it with a smile on their face and possibly a new perspective.
Rating: 4/5
The Hate U Give directed by George Tilman Jr.
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Drama & Crime
The film The Hate U Give directed by George Tilman Jr. is an adaptation of the novel The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. While the novel and film are not based on one true story, it is rather inspired by the Black Lives Matter Movement. The film follows the life of a young girl named Starr Cater who feels as though she is living a double life. One part of her life involves her living with her family in a low income black neighborhood that is crime stricken. The other life she lives is a “proper” black girl at a mostly white prep school. While living each life she doesn’t feel like she can truly be herself, in either world she thinks that she will be judged. One night while attending a party, the events that transcribe will bring her two worlds crashing down. She finds herself in a rough situation but by the end of it will gain a new perspective and change herself.
I would rate this movie a 3.5 out of 5. Even though the story told is not inspired by a person, there have been many stories like this that have happened. This movie tackles the themes of dealing with an identity crisis, police brutality, code-switching, racism, the crime cycle in black communities, and family. I would recommend this movie to anyone because it can bring awareness to the injustice that black people face. I think a lot of black people can relate to Starr and what she deals with in terms of being split between two worlds. Living in the time we’re in now some people can also relate to having to deal with racism and being involved in the Black Lives Matter Movement. I think the themes discussed in the movie are important and need to be discussed more often.
Rating: 3.5/5
12 Years A Slave directed by Steve McQueen
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Historical Drama
The film 12 Years a Slave directed by Steve McQueen is based on the autobiography of Solomon Northup. The film follows the life of Solomon Northup, his kidnapping, and him being forced into slavery. Solomon Northup started off as a free man living in New York with a family but a turn of events lead to him becoming a slave for 12 years. One day Solomon is introduced to promoters who are interested in his talents. Thinking would be a normal interaction, Solomon soon finds himself in a situation that is out of his control. When he makes his case and pleads to others that he is not a slave but a freeman no one seems to listen to him. Once he is sold he questions if he will ever see his family again.
I would rate this film a 4.5 out of 5. Some may not like this film because of how emotional it is but I think the deep emotions that it provokes is what make it such a good film. I would recommend this film to an older audience given its explicitly and troubling topic manner. On the other hand, I think people should watch this movie. The themes present in this film are racism, slavery, and justice. The film does a good job of illustrating how intense the slave trade was and shows how destructive it was to families. The tearing apart of black families and the psychological effects still affect society today, which most people do not realize. People know that slavery was an awful period of time but I feel as though this film really gives a raw insight into how cruel and inhumane slavery was. I think those who watch this film will really process how deep slavery was and the generational trauma that still affects the black population today.
Rating: 4.5/5
Cyberbully directed by Charles Binamé
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Drama
While the movie Cyberbully directed by Charles Binamé is not based on one true story in particular, some would say it is based on all the stories revolving around young teens who have committed suicide because of cyberbullying. Following her seventeenth birthday, the main character Taylor is gifted a laptop that she has been wanting for quite a while. Like most teens, she soon makes herself a social media account. While wanting to interact with friends over the internet is pretty innocent in itself, this account soon becomes the downfall of Taylor. Soon the cyberbullying turns into her getting bullied in real life at school. When things become too much for Taylor to handle she tries to commit suicide. After receiving help and attending a support group for a while Taylor soon finds out who is behind the rumors that were started about her.
I would give this movie a 3 out of 5. Although I would’ve liked this movie to move at a different pace I did enjoy it and the message behind it. From this movie, the main messages that I was able to gather were the themes of treating others with kindness, the effects of peer pressure, and mental health struggles teens face on a daily basis. I would recommend that teens of all ages especially those around the ages of twelve to thirteen should watch this movie. It is important that teens who are becoming introduced to social media should know what they might be getting themselves into, unfortunately. This movie could teach them to get help and say something if they’re even in a situation before it is too late. Seeing the movie could also reinforce the golden rule of treating others as one wants to be treated and giving others on and offline respect.
Rating: 3/5
Girl, Interrupted directed by James Mangold
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Psychological Drama
The film Girl, Interrupted is based on the 1993 memoir Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen and her 18 month stay at a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s. At age 18 young Susanna Kaysen finds herself in a position where she feels that her life is at a standstill. Many emotions such as sadness and feeling lost were what Susanna dealt with for a while. Not knowing who or where to turn to, Susanna decides to commit suicide by taking a bunch of aspirin pills and following it up with a bottle of vodka. Her suicide attempt was a failure and soon Susanna found herself being dropped off at Claymoore, a local psychiatric hospital. When she first arrives there and sees the other patients there Susanna doesn’t feel like she belongs because she is not “crazy” like the rest of them there. After some time there she makes some friends and learns of the mental disorder she is diagnosed with. These friends ended up really helping Susanna through her time there but one friend, in particular, had a major negative influence on her.
I would give this film a 3 out of 5. The main messages that can be found in this film are the power of manipulation, dealing with an identity crisis, and dealing with self control. The film also touches on what psychiatric institutions were like back in the day. The purpose of this film and the memoir were to share Susanna Kaysen’s story and how society views mental illness and how they treat people who suffer from it. I would recommend this film to adults and older teens. I think people who watch this film will get an insight into what life is like for people who suffer from mental illness and how they are treated in these psychiatric institutions back then. After watching this film they also may gain compassion for these people. While this movie may not be for everyone I think it does do a good job of representing what people with mental disorders go through.
Rating: 3/5
Gia directed by Michael Cristofer
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Biographical Drama, LGBTQ+
The film Gia is a biographical drama film based on the life of young supermodel Gia Marie Carangi who is sometimes recognized as the first supermodel. Originally born in Philadephia, Pennsylvania seventeen year old Gia was recognized for her insane beauty. The positive feedback prompted her to take a chance and go to New York. Being a fresh face on the scene, left and right everyone wanted to book Gia. In New York Gia was essentially living every little girl’s fantasy of being a supermodel. Unfortunately, her not so glamorous career took a turn for the worse when she started dabbling in other activities. On the occasions when Gia did receive help, something would trigger her relapse. At one point in her life modeling brought her some sort of happiness but modeling was the trigger to her downfall.
I would give this movie a 3.5 out of 5. Before watching this film I never heard of Gia Carangi or her story, but I’m glad I do now. What happened to Gia has happened to many people out there, famous or not. I would recommend this movie to older teens and adults. I recommend this age range because around this time is when people are being introduced to and possibly seeing drug use in person. Or even experimenting with drugs themselves . This film will bring awareness and remind people of the dangers of drug use and how in cases like Gia can lead to tragic endings. The main topics covered in the film are drug addiction, identity crisis, the cruel treatment of stars in the industry, and awareness to diseases such as HIV and AIDS. While Gia’s story is incredibly sad it is important that her name is not forgotten and people take something from her story.
Rating: 3.5/5
Hidden Figures directed by Theodore Melfi
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): History & Drama
The film Hidden Figures tells the story of three African American women who had a big behind the scenes impact at NASA during the 1960s. Katherine Johnson was a mathematician who is famous for figuring out the path for the spacecraft known as the Freedom 7, to orbit the Earth and eventually land on the Moon. Dorothy Vaughan was a mathematician who is famous for being NASA’s first black manager and known for working as a “human computer”. Mary Jackson is famous for being an aerospace engineer and NASA’s first black female engineer. Following Russia’s launch of the satellite during the Space Race, America felt pressured to send something into space that would top the Russians. The three women each played a special role in this moon landing but each went through many obstacles to get there. Not only did they face racial discrimination but they faced gender discrimination as well.
I would give this film a 4.5 out of 5, I really enjoyed this film. I would recommend this film to everyone. I think the emotion and hard work displayed by the woman would give anyone who watches this film a form of appreciation for these women and what they had to work through. The main themes present in this film are inequality and racism. For many years women especially black women have never been taken seriously or even been offered higher positions in a male dominated profession. It is inspiring to see and learn what these women had to endure and how they persevered through it. These women and the other women who were working alongside them broke barriers and became an inspiration to the many black women out there. They gave black women a sense of confidence and belief that they could achieve their dreams. At that time they probably didn’t realize that they would be inspiring generations to come.
Rating: 4.5/5
Joker directed by Todd Phillips
Reviewed by L.M. (October 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Drama, Psychological Thriller, Crime Film
The Joker is a man who needs no introduction. For years now this dangerous, persistent, supervillain, and fearless man has been featured in many DC movies. When someone thinks of the Joker the first thing that most likely comes to mind is the fact that he is Batman’s archenemy. Most people see him as this violent villain but his background story has never been given a true deep dive. The 2019 film Joker directed by Todd Phillips tells the origin story of the Joker and what made him the man we know today. In the film, he is known as Arthur Fleck who is a not so successful comedian and works as a clown. From the beginning of the film, it is pretty much established that Fleck is pretty much a loner and hides his true self from the world. From being bullied, his career not taking off, his struggles with his mental health, and overall being labeled as an outcast by society, his spiraling life took a turn for the worst.
I would rate this film a 4 out of 5. When it comes to villains sometimes their backstories aren’t explored so it was nice to see this film’s rendition of the joker’s life. The main messages that can be found in this film are treating others with kindness, income inequality, and society’s treatment of people who are in need of psychological care. The world doesn’t have the greatest track record when it comes to providing mentally ill people with the aid they need. They have been isolated from society and in some cases instead of getting the help that they need, they are treated like caged animals. I would recommend this film to young adults and adults. This movie has some underlying messages that younger people may not initially catch. This is a good villain origin story and I feel like more like this should come out so we can get a better understanding of why certain villains act the way they do.
Rating: 4/5
Titles from Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Reviewed by Adam N. (Fall 2022)
Format: Book
Genre: Comedy, Young Adult Fiction
Diary of a Wimpy Kid : Old School by Jeff Kinney
Diary of A Wimpy Kid : Old School is about Greg Huffley’s life just like every book of the series. This book’s main focus is Greg going on a school trip to Hardscrabble Farms. He doesn’t want to go on this trip at all, but his mom forces him to go. As he makes his way to Hardscrabble Farms he hears someone called Silas Scratch. It’s about a crazy farmer who got kicked out of Hardscrabble Farm and now lives in the forest. As Greg continues his trip, will he run into this possibly real Silas Scratch? And could something go horribly wrong?
I enjoy this book in general because of its usual storyline just like any other Diary of A Wimpy Kid and because of its funny and “thrilling” ending. I usually don’t dislike Diary of A Wimpy Kid books because they hook me with its story and I usually finish the book in a couple of days. This book gave me the thought of how it can be relatable sometimes while being so random and having things happen that usually doesn’t happen on a daily basis. I would recommend this book to friends and family who may be interested in the unusual everyday life of a person. This book is part of the great Diary of A Wimpy Kid series with many more funny and crazy adventures/daily life to come. And I have read every single book in the series(there are currently 17) but the new one since it just came out. If you read your first Diary of A Wimpy Kid book(read the first book for context of characters and build a base) and you enjoy reading it, I 100% recommend you to read at least a 2nd or 3rd book because they are usually similar and really enjoyable as well.
I would give this book a 4 out of 5 because even though it’s my personal favorite out of the series, Jeff Kinney continues to release a new book every year and they can get even better than last year. So it’s hard to say one book of the series is the best since some are better then the new ones or vice versa.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid : The Getaway
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway is about Greg’s Huffley everyday’s life but for this book, it focuses on what he does during his winter break. Greg usually doesn’t do much during his winter break and when his best friend, Rowley, comes back from his winter break, he tells Greg all about what he did and how much fun he had. But this year, Greg’s parents decide to go out of the country to vacation at the place they went to during the honeymoon. There are many crazy and weird things that happen along the way but it starts off smooth sailing. But as the trip progresses, bad things start to happen and disaster breaks out. What will happen to Greg’s family and could they possibly get into trouble?
What I liked about this book was how it’s being somewhat realistic and unrealistic at the same time about traveling during the winter break, especially during Christmas eve and Christmas day. And Greg’s story about his trip gets really interesting and surprising as well. There are also funny moments and crazy moments. I don’t dislike this book because Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in general are really enjoyable to me and they don’t disappoint when it comes to the plot. The book made me think about how when I travel, unlike Greg, my travels are usually fun and filled with good stories. I would recommend this book to my family and friends who might be interested in the everyday life of a person with crazy adventures/events.
This book is part of a series, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid which is my favorite book series of all. Because of my love for this series, I have read all 16 of the books(the 17th book is coming soon) and I would 100 percent recommend the reset of the series if you have read your first Diary of a Wimpy Kid and you enjoyed it. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 because of its interesting plot. The reason I don’t give it a 5 since I believe all of the books are evenly good and there isn’t the best one.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid : Big Shot
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot is a story of Greg Huffely’s everyday life but for this book, it focuses on Greg’s mom wanting him to not play games anymore and to join a sports team. What his mom ends up choosing for him is basketball and he has to endure all the ups and downs of being on a sports team. As he practices in not so great condition with ok teammates, he has to get ready to play against other teams. Does he do well and how can all of this come down?
I liked this book because of how it somewhat shows what being on a team is like but I say something since again, it’s fiction and Greg is usually in crazy and funny situations. And I also like the time where he somehow makes crazy shots even though he isn’t good at basketball. There wasn’t anything I disliked since I enjoy this book and almost every Diary of a Wimpy Kid book I read since it has a great plot and funny/unexpecting endings. This book gave me the thought that joining a sports team can’t really be bad and looks fun. This might even inspire me to actually join a sports team since I really never tried playing for a team. I would recommend this book to friends or family who are interested in the unrealistic, funny, everyday life of a main character. This book is part of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Ever since I read my first book, I have continued reading every book of the series since I really enjoy it. And I would recommend the series to anyone who enjoyed their first book they read of this series.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 because of its amazing plot with funny and random moments. The reason I don’t give it a 5 is because I believe every book of the series are equally good and there isn’t a best one. But there might be a book in the series that I might find to be the best which will get the 5 out of 5.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid : The Deep End
Greg Huffey is living in a boring, stressful environment with his family after having to move into their grandma’s basement, after his house was destroyed and Greg having to see his family 24/7. So his parents decide to try to go on a road trip in order to keep less tension between each other and things start to look up. But as the trip continues more and more crazy things start to happen. Will Greg’s family be able to really enjoy their summer?
What I liked about this book was how many crazy and unexpecting things happen while Greg is on his trip which makes the book really interesting. And there wasn’t anything I dislike since I usually enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This book inspires me to try to look at the best and funny moments when going on a vacation since things could happen. So when you look back, you can remember the fun stuff while also remembering the bad stuff. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the daily life of a high schooler while he is on a crazy vacation. This book is part of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and I have read the whole series due to my love for each book and its plot. And I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed reading their first Diary of a Wimpy Kid book since most of the books revolve around the same idea yet with different plots and unexpecting moments.
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 since I enjoyed the plot of the book and like the ending of this book as well. I enjoy the ups and downs of Greg’s trip and what he faces. I wouldn’t give this a 5 since I believe all of the books of Diary of Wimpy Kid are equal and there isn’t a best one.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid : Wrecking Ball
Greg Huffely’s great aunt, Reba, passes away in her sleep. But, due to her passing, his family is able to inherit money that was left for them by their great aunt. But it wasn’t just a little amount but a large amount of money. As his family decides what to do, they finally agree on rebuilding their house for a larger, more nice home. But as they get their house rebuilt, they come upon lots of problems. This causes lots of chaos but will it end well for Greg and his family’s home?
What I liked about Wrecking Ball was how it was very interesting seeing Greg’s family trying to deal with the many problems that occur while getting their home fixed. And there were very surprising parts that had me on the edge of my seat. There wasn’t anything about this book that I dislike since I always enjoy reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid in general. It inspires me to try to be grateful with what I have since trying to overdo it, getting something out of your reach will cause many problems. But if you keep on trying on the right path, it will be solved. As you read this book, you will understand what I mean by this. I would recommend this to someone who enjoys the everyday life of a high school boy with an unrealistic and funny twist. This book is part of the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and I have read the whole series since I enjoy every book and they never let me down. And I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed reading their first Diary of a Wimpy Kid, since this book revolves around the same idea with different times and plots.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 since I enjoyed the plot of the book and overall got me very interested, wanting to know what happens in the end. I wouldn’t give this a 5 out of 5 since I believe all the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are even and none is considered the best. But there may be one soon since Diary of a Wimpy Kid comes out with a book every year.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Review by Amelia R. (October 2022)
- Format: Book
- Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Mystery
- Part of a series?: Yes
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder tells the story of a girl named Pip who is investigating Fairview’s biggest mystery, the murder of Andie Bell, five years after it occurred. Everyone believes that Andie’s boyfriend, Sal Singh, committed the crime. However, Pip believes otherwise. With the help of his brother, Ravi, she investigates further into the case for her senior thesis project. The real murderer wants to stop her and they will do anything to prevent her from finding the truth.
I’ve always had an interest in mysteries, but I haven’t read many mystery novels. This was my introduction to the genre and I can happily say that it was a very welcome one. The twist and turns in this story kept me on the edge of my seat. There was not one dull moment. At first, it seemed obvious who the real killer was, but the more clues that came up, the more it intrigued me. The format of the book changes as new evidence presents itself and it feels as if you’re solving the mystery along with her. Pip and Ravi’s dynamic was fun to read about and it was clear that they cared for one another. As a character, Pip was clever and relatable. She was daring, brave, and not afraid to take risks in the name of justice. Overall, a great protagonist for this story. For anyone who is interested in a fun and fascinating read, I suggest this book. As this is a part of a series, I will be sure to pick up the other two books. I’m excited to see what’s in store for Pip and Ravi.
Rating: 5/5
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Reviewed by Anonymous (September 2022)
- Format: Book
- Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic
Station Eleven takes place during a post-apocalyptic period, where a pandemic known as the “Georgia Flu” has swept across the world, effectively causing it to collapse. There is no travel, no electricity, and no socialization. Throughout the book, it discusses the state of the world both before and after the pandemic. The perspectives from the past follow the famous actor Arthur Leander and those around him, highlighting the misery of everyday life as we know it. The present follows Kirsten and her acting group, the Traveling Symphony, as they navigate through the changed world. Kirsten travels because of her passion for acting, to survive a meaningful life, and to discover truths from the past.
Station Eleven is so fascinating because of how it depicts the reality of our current time. Each of the characters have their own unique lives, pasts, and motivations that any reader can find relatable in some way. Each characters’ stories develop themes that readers can cherish even after finishing the book. Additionally, being written in 2014, it is interesting to witness the author’s ideas of an apocalypse-causing pandemic. Even if it may not be entirely accurate to the pandemic that we lived through, there are aspects that really make the reader think about what life could have been like and learn to appreciate the reality that we have. Overall, the book provides readers with an emotional, thought-invoking experience that I would recommend everyone give a try.
Rating: 5/5
Bowling for Columbine directed by Michael Moore
Reviewed by Anonymous (September 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Documentary, Political Cinema
Bowling for Columbine is a documentary directed and filmed by Michael Moore that evaluates what may have caused the Columbine High School shooting, the regulation of guns, and gun related incidents in the United States compared to other countries. One April 20, 1999 two teen boys, Eric Harris and Dyllan Klebold, opened fire on Columbine High School, which ended up leaving 15 people dead and many injured. Moore used this documentary as a chance to figure out what led the boys to do this and how they were able to access such weapons. Some may argue that as Americans it is our right to own guns but Moore argues that the high homicide rate and gun related violence in America could be an argument as to why America needs stricter gun regulations. The main message of this documentary is for Americans to reflect on how guns are damaging to all people living in America and it shouldn’t take tragedy after tragedy for us to realize that.
I enjoyed this documentary, I would rate it a 4/5. I believe that America does have a big gun issue and more awareness needs to be brought to this. Some argue that as Americans we have the right to bear arms, but at some point we have to recognize that guns do us more harm than good. Moore touches on the fact that there is nothing wrong with owning guns; but it becomes a problem when the purchasing process of a gun is not extensive, guns getting into the hands of people with malicious intent, and young people having access to them. With the amount of gun related incidents and mass shootings, the United States should take a step back and evaluate their gun policies. Due to the fact that this film was made in 2002 it would be nice to see someone do a successful gun related and mass shooting documentary like Moore did but in the modern time. I recommend everyone to watch this film and reflect on the fact that we are still dealing with these problems.
Rating: 4/5
I Am Not Your Negro directed by Raoul Peck
Reviewed by Anonymous (September 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Documentary
I Am Not Your Negro is a documentary directed by Raoul Peck who exposes writer James Baldwin’s unfinished novel, Remember This House. This unfinished novel goes over the tragic deaths of civil rights leaders Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Medgar Evers. James Arthur Baldwin was a writer and civil rights activist who had multiple numerous theories on America’s social and racial issues. In this documentary not only does it go over his unfinished novel, but it also touches on America’s institutionalized racism and how it has affected black people in different aspects of life. When it comes to the deaths of these three civil rights activists, the film discusses how impactful their deaths were to the black community, to the civil rights movements, and to Baldwin himself.
I would rate this documentary a 4/5. I enjoyed this documentary; the inclusion of Baldwin’s novel, the interview clips of him, and the descriptions of his feelings in certain moments gave the audience an insight look at what Baldwin was dealing with at the time.. I also enjoyed the themes this novel expands on, which includes, racial stereotypes in the media, lack of justice for black people, and that black people are no different than white people but race is what greatly divides them. I also enjoy the title itself and its meaning. “ I am not your negro”means that in our post slavery time, races that still refer to black people as “negros” have to realized that they are more than that negative word and need to be respected and seen as equal humanbeings. I believe that this is a good civil rights documentary that gives insights, and makes people think of how America’s racial inequality has really affected black people.
Rating: 4/5
What Happened, Miss Simone? directed by Liz Garbus
Reviewed by Anonymous (September 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Documentary, Music
Eunice Kathleen Waymon, more famously known as Nina Simone was an African American pianist, singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. What Happened, Miss Simone?, directed by Liz Garbus is a biographical documentary focusing on the incredible and at the same time saddening career and life of Nina Simone. The documentary starts off by showing how her career came to be; already a talented vocalist and pianist, it was a given that Simone was going to be a star. She started singing at nightclubs and as her talent became recognized, naturally her career took off. She relished in the glamor of stardom but with that came a price. Although her career was striving Simone felt as though she couldn’t fully live her life as herself. With the stress of her music career, her abusive relationship, and the trauma that came with being a civil rights activist she started spiraling. With the support of a few friends she was able to slowly get her life on track and resuscitate her career.
I would rate this documentary a 4. Before watching this documentary I had no prior knowledge of Nina Simone and to be honest I wish I had. I was incredibly touched by her story and find that a lot of people in the entertainment industry can relate to her story. By the end of this documentary it was revealed that Simone experienced bipolar disorder which may be linked to her overwhelming work problems and abuse she faced in her relationship. Throughout this documentary you can see Simone change right in front of our eyes and it is kind of heartbreaking. I am glad that by the end of this documentary she was able to find some sort of peace. From her work in the civil rights movement to her endurance through her career she can be seen as an inspiring person to some. I recommend that everyone should watch this documentary and learn the story of Nina Simone.
Rating: 4/5
Black Panther directed by Ryan Coogler
Reviewed by Anonymous (September 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Action, Adventure
- Part of a Series? Yes
Black Panther directed by Ryan Coogler is a Marvel movie that takes place in the fictional hidden country called Wakanda. The story follows the main character T’Challa who becomes the ruler of his nation following the death of his father. As King of Wakanda the nation became one of the extremely technologically advanced nations in the world and rich in Vibranium. Not only is he king but he is also a superhero by the name of Black Panther. His abilities include super speed, fast reflexes, strength, overall agility, stamina, and durability. When his enemy Killmonger shows up to challenge T’Challa for the throne and Wakanda’s weapons, it’s on T’Challa to defend his throne and nation.
The main reason why myself and many other people enjoy this movie is due to the positive representation of black people. In movies that are centered around black people it is usually depicting them in a negative light. So this movie that displays black people as intelligent superheroes is refreshing to see for once. Additionally this movie is inspiring to little black children. A common trend that black youth experience is not seeing people like them on the screen. As more movies such as Black Panther come out, black children look up to the characters in the film and connect with them instantly. In addition to this, the film also includes some pretty important historical matters. For many years now many African countries have been holding European countries accountable for displaying their stolen art/artifacts in their museums. The movie briefly touches on this, and the fact that Africans should reclaim their art. I would say that this is a very lengthy movie and I feel like it could have gotten to the point effectively in less time. Besides this, it is overall a good movie. There is history, comedy, adventure, and even has a few sad moments. In general there are many factors that make this movie good and I recommend everyone watch it. I would rate it a 4/5.
Rating: 4/5
Lean On Me directed by John G. Avildsen
Reviewed by Anonymous (September 2022)
- Format: Movie
- Genre(s): Drama, Action
Lean On Me written by Michael Schiffer and directed by John G. is inspired by the true story of a man named Joe Louis Clark who became the principal at East Side High School in Paterson, New Jersey. Clark was transferred to the school with the purpose of restoring order to the school and attempting to amend the poor education and test results there. Before Clark was there the school was polluted with drug use, teens acting out, drug selling, violence, teen pregnancy, and very poor overall education. Based on his performances at other schools and at East High years before, they knew Clark would be the right person to whip the school back in shape, and that is exactly what he did. He turned that school into tip top shape; he was able to get the school cleaned up, the faculty in order, enforced discipline, and improved the school’s test schools. Additionally, probably the most important things he brought to the school was the kids having hope and confidence in themselves that they can be more than what the narrative/stereotype is.
I would rate this movie a 4/5. It is easy for people to ignore the kids and schools in the low income areas and focus on giving the best resources and attention to the more wealthy areas. The fact that Clark did not turn his back on the kids like most people would have is inspiring and the fact that this is a true story makes it even better. A lot of young people who may have shared experiences as those who were at East Side High School can relate to those students and can appreciate the fact that someone helped those kids possibly in ways they wish someone did for them. In this world it would be refreshing to see more people take the actions of Joe Clark and elicit confidence and hope in young troubled teens. I recommend people to watch this heartwarming story.
Rating: 4/5
How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice From White People by D.L. Hughley and Doug Moe
Reviewed by Anonymous (September 2022)
- Format: Book
- Genre(s): Humor, Nonfiction
- Part of a series?: No
How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice From White People by D.L. Hughley and Doug Moe, is a book giving lessons to black people on ways to avoid police brutality and ways for them to stop associating themselves with stereotypes placed on black people by society. The “advice” given in this book are responses that white people usually give when it comes to black people expressing their frustration with society. Even though this book is satire and these lessons are given in sarcastic ways, the authors are able to successfully break down how racism has had a be effect on the lives of black people in different aspects of life. Also how this “advice” has not helped black people over the years whatsoever.
I really enjoyed this book, I would rate it a 5/5. Not only was it comical but it was also relatable, the information was presented well, and discussed big modern day issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement. I’ve never seen a writing like this that mixes in humor with giving information on a serious matter. I feel like if more books were written in this style more people would be inclined to read it and will actually be able to learn some things. When it comes to black people expressing their struggles with the way society treats them, other races always feel the need to give their input on the situation and give “advice” to black people. The main message of this book is that what other races fail to realize is that their inputs are not practical because at the end of the day the person is still black so their skin color masks any efforts they make to de-escalate the situation. I recommend people of all races to read this book and reflect.
Rating: 5/5
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
Reviewed by Anonymous (September 2022)
- Format: Book
- Genre(s): Biography
Unbroken written by Laura Hillenbrand is a nonfiction book based on the inspiring life and story of Louis Silvie Zamperini. Louis Zamperini’s life started off well, he was an award winning athlete breaking records after records so much so that he was able to participate in the 1936 Olympics. Then in the blink of an eye his life completely changed. During the war he went through an imaginable journey that left him with rigorous mental and physical strains. It took him many years and support from others to adjust and live comfortably. Unbroken is a book that explores the themes of hope, the ability to forgive, faith, diligence, psychological hardships, and the effects of war.
I would rate this book a 5/5. Since Unbroken is based on a true story it makes it more emotional and harder to imagine that someone actually went through these things. With each page I found myself getting more and more drawn in and eager to know what happenes next. I feel as though most people do not give much thought into war and how it can damage most people. This book does a good job of giving a deeper insight into what many people went through during World War II. After reading this book I gained a huge amount of respect for Louis Zamperini and other veterans like him. I admire how he was able to persevere after everything he went through. Additionally, this book made me realize that there should be more help provided to veterans because they deserve it after all that they have been through. I believe everyone should read this book and hear this heart-rending and inspiring story.
Rating: 5/5
The Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Caitlyn N. (June 2022)
- Format: Book
- Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Adventure
- Part of a series?: Yes
The Son of Neptune is the second book of The Heroes of Olympus series. After the first book, readers and characters alike have one big question, “Where is Percy Jackson?” This question is answered in this second book, where Percy is found fending for himself without any memories. After months of being on his own, he finds himself at Camp Jupiter, a safe place for demigods, otherwise known as the children of Roman gods. He meets Frank and Hazel and, not after long, conflict arises. Not only does Percy have to search for a way home and rediscover who he is, but he and his friends have now been tasked with a mission: freeing the god of death, Thanatos, and stopping the earth goddess, Gaea from endangering the world.
Rating: 5/5
This book follows the perspectives of all three of the main characters. Each of the characters have their own problems that make following them on their journeys all the more exciting. I really liked each of their arcs because it felt really unique and different compared to previous characters in this universe. Not only did they struggle with the reality of being children of gods, but they had other issues that made them question who they were and what their purposes were. I liked that the plot went deeper than just the main conflict alone because it really gave the story and its characters more dimension.
I would definitely encourage readers of The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero to continue reading the series and pick up this book. It is perfect for those who love well developed and admirable characters.
The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Caitlyn N. (June 2022)
- Format: Book
- Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
- Part of a series?: Yes
Review:
The Lost Hero is the first book of the Heroes of Olympus series. This series takes place in the same universe as and after the events of Percy Jackson & the Olympians. Jason wakes up in a school bus, with his supposed girlfriend and best friend, Piper and Leo. The problem is that Jason does not recognize either of them, despite the fact that they claim to have known him for months. After a world changing field trip, they are escorted to Camp Half Blood, where their demigod identities are revealed to them. Questions fill the air, such as who Jason really is, how to save Piper’s father, where Percy Jackson is, and how to save the world from an awakening goddess.
This book beautifully set the scene for this new series, while also incorporating details that fans of the Percy Jackson series will love to see. In contrast to Percy Jackson, the story is told in the third person and features three different narrators, the main characters. Having the story told this way allows more room for details and deeper development of the main characters. Jason, Leo, and Piper all have unique personalities and captivating backstories that leave the reader wanting to learn more with each page turn. Another aspect that sets this story apart from the previous series is how it is written. While it incorporates the expected suspense and humor, it is also more advanced than Percy Jackson & the Olympians, as it is meant for slightly older readers. I found this very fitting, as the main characters are now older and facing even more challenges.
Rating: 5/5
Everything about this book got me immediately hooked to the series. I loved following the newly introduced main characters along their journey. Because of the changes in perspective, I thought them to be more interesting and dimensional than the previous series’s characters. The balance of their strong qualities and their flaws made them both realistic and relatable. Reading this book alone allowed the main characters to easily become my favorite characters in the Percy Jackson universe. The story itself was so enthralling because of the amount of mystery and action. For many of the twists and surprises in the story, I hadn’t pieced together until they were finally revealed. It was very satisfying to watch unfold because the details were all available, but not totally obvious, which made it feel natural and not indiscriminate. Overall, the characters and plot of this book were all carefully written to make the entire experience of reading so entertaining and enjoyable.
I would recommend The Lost Hero to those who have read the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, although it can also be read as a standalone series. It is the perfect book for those who love action, adventure, mystery, and heartwarming friendships amongst characters. This book has me hopeful for the rest of the series and I cannot wait to read the next book.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Reviewed by Caitlyn N. (June 2022)
Format: Book
Genre(s): Children’s Fiction
Part of a series?: Yes
They Both Die at the End is a story of two teen boys who just got a call from Death-Cast. The purpose of Death-Cast is to break the news to a person on the day that they are supposed to die. Mateo is alone, while his father is in the hospital in a coma. Rufus is on the run from the police after beating up his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend. With their last day already off to a horrible start, the two boys download an app to connect themselves with a “Last Friend”. In order to make the most out of their last day, they go on an adventure, trying new things and visiting places important to them.
Rating: 5/5
Despite the title that may seem like a spoiler, this book is an emotional journey with each page making me wonder what was going to happen next. The story includes not only Rufus and Mateo’s perspectives, but also other characters, including some people also on their last days. Each character was very well written, with their own motivations and connections. Unfortunately, getting so attached to the characters made each of their arcs even more heartbreaking. Despite all of the tears shed, I truly did enjoy learning about each of the characters and their lives. This story has a beautiful and tragic way of portraying the themes of friendship, family, love, and life. There were many twists and thought-invoking moments that made me constantly want to read more. This book did a great job of making me really think about the significance of life and cherishing it while I still have it.
As someone who is a huge sucker for strong bonds and found family, this book satisfied my interests perfectly. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who love a heartwarming, yet emotional, story.
Magic Tree House: Camp Time in California by Mary Pope Osborne
Reviewed by Alana D (July 2022)
Format: Book
Genre(s): Children’s Fiction
Part of a series?: Yes
Every time I open a Magic Tree House book I get lost in the history behind each book. In this book Jack and Annie journeyed to California to Yosemite before it became a National Park, to help save the wilderness. Here they also drew the nature around them with a magic pencil. They met so many people along their adventure – including the president of the United States at that time, Teddy Roosevelt!
I enjoyed reading this book and I would rate it a 4 out of 5. I love how every Magic Tree House book always takes you someplace new in history. This book series is great for young children. These books are the first chapter books I started to read when I was younger and I still love reading them up to now at the age of 12. Every time I read one of these books I learn something new. There is a Magic Tree House book for every kid. From those starting to read chapter books to more experienced readers. Magic Tree House books have something special for everybody inside of each book. I HIGHLY suggest this series of books for every child out there.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Caitlyn N. (April 2022)
Format: Book
Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
Part of a series?: Yes
The Titan’s Curse is the third book of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. Percy, Annabeth, and Thalia make their way to a boarding school, where they find sibling demigods, Bianca and Nico. Before they are able to safely escort the two to Camp Half Blood, they are threatened by monsters. The goddess Artemis and her Hunters come to their rescue, but are unsuccessful in saving Annabeth from being captured. After returning to camp, Percy and the lieutenant Hunter named Zoë both have nightmares – Annabeth being punished and Artemis being in danger, respectively. Determined to save both of them, Zoë embarks on a quest, bringing along Thalia, Grover, and Bianca. Despite not being permitted to join the quest and knowing the dangers that await them, Percy decides to follow the group, in order to save his friend.
I really enjoyed this book, its plot, and its characters. Several new characters were introduced in this book. Having more than three people in the main cast at once would be a first for this book series. Consequently, there were more people to focus on and learn about, which could be seen as overwhelming or confusing. Even so, I felt that the author did a great job of making the characters loveable, which I found to be a common theme throughout this series. In just one book, I was able to become attached to each of the characters that were included in this main cast. They all had complex backstories and multifaceted personalities, making each of them interesting and alluring. I especially enjoyed the variety of ways they interacted with Percy, because it truly made each character unique.
Rating: 5/5
This book impressed me with how interesting it was. Due to a main character (Annabeth) and a goddess (Artemis) being in danger, the stakes were higher, making the book even more suspenseful and intriguing. The way that this book dealt with more emotional themes made it stand apart from the previous books in the series. Because of the hardships that the group endures on their quest, the reader can sense Percy maturing and growing up. This is something to be proud of, after following along with him throughout his journey in the books thus far. However, it can also be seen as increased tension, as readers wait for what the future holds for him in the following books of the series. I would definitely recommend The Titan’s Curse to those who have read both The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters, as I found it to be an even better read.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Caitlyn N. (April 2022)
Format: Book
Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
Part of a series?: Yes
The Sea of Monsters is the second book of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. Percy attends a new boarding school with his newfound friend, Tyson. After being saved by Tyson and Annabeth, Percy and the two make their way to Camp Half Blood, where things have changed since the previous summer. The safety of the camp has been compromised, a new camp counselor has been appointed, and Percy’s best friend Grover is missing. The three embark on a mission to save Grover and the whole camp by venturing into the Sea of Monsters, where they encounter new and old enemies alike.
After reading the first book of the series, The Lightning Thief, I can confidently say that this book did not disappoint. I would often find myself glued to this book because of how immersive it is. Each of the characters were more developed since the previous book, making them even easier to become attached to. As a result, the stakes were higher, making each step of the journey all the more suspenseful. Even so, this book has a good balance between adventure and wholesomeness. The growing friendships between characters, whether they be new or old, are so satisfying to witness. I am excited to see how the future books will handle each of the characters individually and their relationships with each other.
Rating: 4/5
While I liked the characters more in this book than in the previous book, I will say that the overall adventure was not as interesting. The characters had more depth to them and emotional scenes. However, I felt that the villains and enemies in this book did not exude the same amount of intimidation as the ones in the previous book. Nonetheless, I would still recommend this book to those who have read The Lightning Thief.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Reviewed by Caitlyn N. (April 2022)
Format: Book
Genre(s): Romance novel, historical fiction
Part of a series?: No
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a book that takes place in New England in the 1600s. Hester Prynne was found guilty of committing adultery. After being publicly shamed by her entire Puritan village, Hester is given the scarlet letter A that she must adorn as a constant reminder of her sins. While Hester’s lover keeps his identity a secret, she must handle both shunning from the community and raising her daughter alone. Meanwhile, Hester’s husband makes his return to New England and is filled with vengeance. The novel follows Hester’s everlasting punishments and how she attempts to overcome them. Not only that, but it seems as if Hester is not the only one to experience suffering from the cruelty of society. As a Romantic piece of literature, The Scarlet Letter discusses the acceptance of emotions, themes of solitude, empowerment of the outcast, and criticisms of society.
Hawthorne’s writing style is one that can be very blunt, while also using many literary elements to depict deeper ideas. Typically, I find the writing of historical fiction to be difficult to follow, but I actually really enjoyed this book because of Hawthorne’s bluntness. He made his themes very clear to the readers, but also had many deeper meanings hidden behind various literary elements. As a result, it was very interesting to analyze each of Hawthorne’s characters. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy analyzing symbolism and characterization.
Rating: 3/5
The overall plot of the book was entertaining and I enjoyed each of the characters’ arcs. However, it was often repetitive or overly descriptive, which made reading it mundane at times.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Caitlyn N. (March 2022)
Format: Book
Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Adventure
Part of a series?: Yes
The Lightning Thief is the first part of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Percy Jackson is a twelve year old boy, who has spent his life moving from school to school, being treated as a bother, and never feeling like he fit in. When mysterious events occur that only Percy can see, his world is turned upside down and he is exposed to a world where Greek mythology has come to life. Percy finds himself at Camp Half-Blood, a refuge and summer camp for the children of Greek gods. Chaos between Greek gods ensue, so Percy and his friends, Annabeth and Grover, embark on a journey to resolve it. The three heroes must search for Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt before it’s too late, all while facing Greek mythological creatures from their worst nightmares.
This book was a worthwhile read that had me reluctant to ever put it down. The author, Riordan, does a fantastic job of making this fictional world come to life. As someone who opened this book knowing next to nothing about Greek mythology, I felt myself being able to picture every creature, object, and environment so clearly because of his use of imagery. Not only was the ambience incredibly immersive, but Riordan’s use of characterization also allowed his characters to truly come to life. Each of the main characters were written with admirable qualities, fitting for a hero, as well as small details that make them feel just like any other kid. This made the book that much more enjoyable, because readers can sense themselves in the characters and feel like they are tagging along in the journey.
Rating: 5/5
For these reasons, I would rate this book a 5/5. I would also recommend it to preteens/teenagers, or really anyone who enjoys a book of fantasy and adventure with lovable characters. Even if you’re like me and weren’t interested in Greek mythology previously, I would recommend giving this book a try, for a chance to explore a whole new world.
The Lightning Thief is the first of the series, skillfully introducing this Greek mythological world and Percy Jackson to the audience. I personally have not read the other installments of the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series. However, I found myself wanting to run to the library as quickly as I could to continue reading, as I can’t wait to find out what happens next in Percy’s adventures.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild by Nintendo
Reviewed by Melissa A. (March 2022)
Format: Video game
Director: Hidemaro Fujibayashi; Producer: Eiji Aonuma
Part of a series?: Yes
Breath of the Wild is one of the more recent installments in the popular Zelda series that has the player dropped into the familiar world of Hyrule and saving Princess Zelda once again. The game opens with Link, our main character, waking up from a hundred year slumber with little to no memory of the events that led to the kingdom’s demise. The player learns of these events by visiting four significant villages who each had a member of their people (The Zora, Gorons, Rito and Guerdo) at the calamity. The player has Link slowly regain his memory while also working towards the eventual goal of saving the princess who is still trapped in Hyrule Castle.
I can confidently say this is probably my favorite game. Things like exploration, puzzle solving and fantasy aesthetics are my favorite things when it comes to video games so to have it all nicely put together in one game is amazing. The non linear path and heavy focus on exploration makes the world feel like a living, breathing entity with hidden secrets and large scale discoveries rather than a large map with only a few points of interest and a checkpoint highlighting where I need to go to progress in the story like many other open world games. It gives players the option to take things at their own pace and do whatever they want. In my experience it took me many months to beat the final boss, not because I didn’t play it that much or that it was very difficult but because I just wanted to keep exploring. One minute I’m traveling on some grassy plains with my horse and the next I’m on the other end of the map on top of a mountain trying to quell a giant dragon with my horse long forgotten on a hill somewhere
The puzzles are equally as fun, with them having multiple possible solutions that the game encourages by utilizing true out of the box thinking that aren’t common in puzzle games. On top of it all is the aesthetic of the world, with it’s visuals and music working beautifully together. The game is often praised for being one of the prettiest games on the Switch, which is something I don’t see a lot of people refuting. I remember at points during my time playing where I found myself stopping and just taking the view in. The music, however, tends to be a more divided subject with a common criticism of the game being its lack of music compared to other traditional Zelda games. I feel like the change was a good one though because the lack of music while out exploring makes it feel more natural and also makes moments where music does play much more impactful. The village themes are gorgeous and relaxing, the battle themes range from fun and catchy to anxiety inducing and the songs in between are just as memorable in their own unique ways.
I would recommend the game to almost anyone who enjoys open world, action and puzzle elements in games, even if they aren’t fans of Zelda. When I first picked it up I hadn’t played a single other Zelda game so it isn’t required to have played the others.
Rating: 5/5
Breath of the Wild does so many things right for me that I don’t think another game will beat it as my favorite game for a long time.
The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry
Reviewed by Udochi O. (August 2021)
Format: Book
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction
Part of a series?: No
This story is about an 18-year-old maiden named Dolssa. Dolssa has been declared a heretic by the Catholic Church, as a result of her claiming that she has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who she calls her “beloved”. The church sentences Dolssa to death by burning; fortunately, Dolssa manages to run away and go into hiding. Botille, a match-maker, who lives with her sisters Sazia and Plazensa, finds Dolssa in the woods and takes Dolssa home with her. Dolssa grows close to and lives with Botille and Botille’s sister and friends. The four live as a family in a town in Provensa, modern-day Provence, France. However, the church continues its search for Dolssa, but Botille and her sisters are determined to protect Dolssa from the church even if it means putting their lives in danger.
I really enjoyed this book! This is the first fictional book I’ve ever read about the crusades and how they affected people even after they were over. The novel was not only educational but also engaging. Though the main characters of the novel are Dolssa and Botille, the other characters such as Botille’s sisters are written so well and have an important role in the story. They are all unique and interesting characters! In addition, the events in the book are very realistic, making the novel both frightening and captivating. When I first finished reading the novel, I disliked the ending – it felt like the book had ended too soon. However, after thinking more about the book, I realized the way that the book ended was actually very fitting. After seeing all the characters’ hardships, I was expecting a happy ending but that wasn’t exactly the case. Instead, Julie Berry made the book very realistic to the time period that the plot took place.
I would recommend this book to anyone that has studied the inquisition and the crusades. Having background knowledge about the crusades and what happened during that time is helpful in understanding the book, though the back of the book does give a summary of it and defines terms in the novel pertaining to that time period. Nevertheless, I would still recommend this book to someone without any past knowledge on the subject. I would say that the book is targeted more towards those in 11th grade or higher.
Rating: 5/5
As previously stated, I really enjoyed the novel. Julie Berry did an excellent job writing about a topic that isn’t written about in most novels.
Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus
Reviewed by Udochi O. (August 2021)
Format: Book
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Mystery
Part of a series?: No
Ellery and her twin brother Ezra move to Echo-Ridge to stay with their grandmother while their mother, Sadie, is in rehab. The town the siblings move to is called Echo-Ridge, which has been known for the unsolved killings that took place. Sarah, Ellery’s aunt, went missing when she was seventeen, and Lacy, a neighbor’s daughter and a past homecoming queen, was murdered five years ago. Skip to the present and during homecoming, someone threatens to repeat the same events of five years ago. The entire town is put on edge to find who the killer is and if it was the same person who committed the same crime five years ago. However, before long, another girl goes missing. Ellery, her brother, and some friends get together in order to try to figure out who the murderer is. However, the more information they find, the more secrets and unknowns get revealed.
Overall, I found the novel okay. It started out very strong but started getting a little boring towards the middle. There were times where it was really interesting, but most of the book seemed flat. As a reader, you are expected to keep track of different important details taking place that at one point everything starts losing its importance. There was too much going on at once so when the final reveal came at the end, it felt rushed and random. I was unsatisfied with the ending and there were still some mysteries that were brought up in the book that kinda just get pushed to the side and never answered or explained. Also, I never felt that connected to any of the characters except Malcolm and I am a reader that tends to care more about the characters than the plot. Even the main character, Ellery, didn’t seem to interest me that much.
I would recommend this book to anyone in 8th grade or higher. The book has some disturbing events in it but not anything too drastic.
The book is not a series.
Rating: 3/5
It’s entertaining at parts but not overall. The plot is pretty easy to follow along with so that’s why I gave it a 3.
The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
Reviewed by Sarah R. (July 2021)
Format: Book
Genre: Science Fiction, Alternative History
Part of a series: No
The year is 1898 and London or Londres and most of the English population has been made slaves of because France had won the Battle of Trafalgar. Joe Tournier steps off a train in French-occupied London with a slight case of amnesia. He knows his name, but he doesn’t know where he is or who anybody around him is. He wonders where he belongs and where “home” really is, and when he receives a postcard with a strangely familiar lighthouse and the message “Come home, if you remember,” Joe would do anything to find out what his identity truly is.
Natasha Pulley writes carefully-crafted historical fiction with that dash of fantasy. In this standalone novel, the time slip and alternate history Joe goes through leaves the reader wondering what the hell happened? Rating this novel five stars, I thought the story was brilliant.
I still haven’t stopped thinking about it months after I’ve finished it. I’ve loved the characters (Joe is a clever engineer and a loving father, there’s a Navy captain who shoots with one hand and holds romance books in the other, and a headstrong surgeon who owns her own hospital and who cares for her brother despite everything), the setting, and the delicate yet yearnful queer love story that was built into the undercurrent of the entire story and defied literal time itself.
I’d recommend this novel to anybody interested in science fiction, time travel, and the occasional joke that rags on the French. It’s slow at the start but it really picks up later on, as with all of Natasha Pulley’s books. It’s not that the pacing is bad, it’s that she takes the time to build the world and really explain what’s going on. If you enjoyed this one, you would love her other works: The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and its sequel The Lost Future of Pepperharrow, and The Bedlam Stacks.
Rating: 5/5
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
Reviewed by Brendan (July 2021)
Format: Book
Genre: Non-fiction, Psychology
Part of a series?: No
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know is a non-fiction book written by Malcolm Gladwell. In the novel, Gladwell examines the misjudgements we make when communicating with strangers (or sometimes those close to us). The book delves into the fascinating concept of “default-to-truth,” or truth-bias theory, in which people assume others to be honest by ignoring the possibility of deception.
Gladwell calls upon multiple real-life examples to show the detriments of this way of thinking: Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler, Sandra Bland, Bernie Madoff, and more.
Overall, I enjoyed the book’s analysis of how human psychology prevents us from being completely rational when speaking with strangers. The examples Gladwell used to back up the theory were interesting as well (the chapter regarding Chamberlain is my favorite).
I wasn’t fond of the topics discussed in some chapters, admittedly due to personal preference. The book deals with weighty topics, like the Larry Nassar and Brock Turner cases. Though I didn’t mind dealing with the intense content too much, the chapters that deal with these examples can be off-putting to some (understandably so).
This book led me to reflect on my personal biases, and how I may be affected by truth-default theory. I recommend this book to anyone interested in cognitive psychology and how it impacts all of us.
Rating: I would rate this book 3.5/5 stars. It may not be my favorite book, but it is definitely worth a read. It isn’t too long either, standing at a modest 388 pages. I was able to finish it in under a week, but your mileage may vary.
It is also available as an audiobook on most audio-streaming platforms. The audio version of the book even has a theme song: “Hell You Talmbout” by Janelle Monae.
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